{"title":"Las Rocas","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"las-rocas-garnacha-vinas-viejas-750ml","title":"Las Rocas Garnacha Vinas Viejas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLas Rocas Garnacha Viñas Viejas\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied, 100% old-vine Garnacha from D.O. Calatayud, Spain, bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from bush-trained vines between 80 and 100 years old at elevations reaching 1,000 meters, this wine has earned a 91-point score from Wine Spectator (2013 vintage) and Gold at the International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15%  |  Origin: D.O. Calatayud, Aragón, Spain  |  Old Vine (Viñas Viejas) Garnacha  |  Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas San Alejandro, a cooperative winery in the rugged highlands of Calatayud in northeastern Spain, produces Las Rocas from Garnacha vines that are 80 to 100 years old. These ancient bush-trained (goblet-pruned) vines yield an average of just 1,500 kg per hectare — a remarkably low output that concentrates flavor in every berry. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats at controlled temperatures between 25°C and 28°C, preserving fresh fruit character while extracting depth. The wine then ages 14 to 16 months in a combination of oak barrels of varying ages and origins alongside large 5,000-liter vats, building complexity without overwhelming the fruit with new wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep and inviting, the nose opens with ripe black cherry and plum before layering in smoky black raspberry and lavender. Swirling reveals spicy cranberry, licorice, and subtle mineral undertones shaped by the high-altitude terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is sweet and juicy, with dark cherry and ripe strawberry flooding the palate. At mid-palate, white pepper spice and earthy minerality emerge alongside hints of elegant oak. The wine carries a rich density that reflects its old-vine concentration and 15% alcohol, yet maintains surprising balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warming, with lingering notes of licorice, dark berry, and a dusting of baking spice. A faint mineral grip and smoky quality persist through the close, adding structure and keeping the finish dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Las Rocas Garnacha\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGiven its concentration and depth, this Garnacha rewards a slight chill to around 60–65°F and benefits from 20 to 30 minutes of breathing time in the glass or a decanter. It drinks beautifully on its own but also holds up in wine-forward preparations: a bold \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built on dark fruit and citrus, where the wine's intensity won't get lost behind sweeteners; a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e for a rustic Spanish approach that plays off its ripe berry character; or a refined \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e in cooler months, where the existing licorice and spice notes amplify warming aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with hearty grilled or braised red meats on a weekend dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a serious old-vine Spanish Garnacha to adventurous wine drinkers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a high-scoring bottle to a dinner party without overspending\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a collection of benchmark Calatayud and Aragón wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Las Rocas Garnacha taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas Garnacha Viñas Viejas delivers concentrated dark cherry, plum, and black raspberry flavors layered with white pepper spice, licorice, and mineral notes. It is full-bodied and ripe with a long, warming finish shaped by old-vine intensity and oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Las Rocas Garnacha compare to Evodia Garnacha?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are old-vine Garnachas from Calatayud imported by Eric Solomon, but Las Rocas draws from significantly older vines (80–100 years) and undergoes 14–16 months of oak aging, resulting in greater concentration and complexity. Evodia is generally lighter and more fruit-forward, positioned as an everyday drinking wine rather than a cellar-worthy selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Las Rocas Garnacha good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its rich fruit, layered spice, and balanced structure make it an excellent wine to enjoy neat, ideally after a brief decant to allow its aromas to fully open up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Las Rocas Garnacha made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas Garnacha Viñas Viejas is produced by Bodegas San Alejandro in the D.O. Calatayud appellation of Aragón, northeastern Spain. The vineyards sit at altitudes reaching 1,000 meters in the rugged terrain between Madrid and Barcelona.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Las Rocas Garnacha?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky depth and peppery spice. Braised short ribs or oxtail match its full body and concentrated fruit. Manchego cheese or other aged sheep's milk cheeses echo its Spanish origin. Chorizo and charcuterie boards highlight the licorice and berry notes, and roasted root vegetables balance its richness with earthy sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Las Rocas Garnacha come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas Garnacha Viñas Viejas is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Las Rocas Garnacha worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas positions as a mid-range wine that consistently punches above its price tier, with multiple vintages earning 91-point scores from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator alongside Gold medals at international competitions — rare accolades for wines at this value level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Las Rocas Garnacha?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Las Rocas from the crowded field of Spanish Garnacha is the extreme age of its source vines — 80 to 100 years old — and the natural yield restriction that comes with it. At just 1,500 kg per hectare, these ancient bush-trained plants produce fruit of uncommon concentration and mineral complexity, shaped further by high-altitude growing conditions up to 1,000 meters. The combination of concrete-vat fermentation and extended aging in mixed-origin oak barrels builds layered depth without masking varietal character. With consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages, including 91 points from both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker, this remains one of the most compelling demonstrations of what old-vine Garnacha from Calatayud can achieve.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Las Rocas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836801937577,"sku":"21723","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/las_rocas_garnacha_vinas_viejas__21707.jpg?v=1730470849"},{"product_id":"las-rocas-garnacha","title":"Las Rocas Garnacha","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLas Rocas Garnacha\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Spanish red wine made from 100% old-vine Garnacha grapes, bottled at 14.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vines aged 70 to 100 years old in the high-altitude vineyards of Calatayud, this bottling earned 90 points from Wine Spectator for its 2017 vintage and a Gold medal from the International Wine Challenge the same year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.8%  |  Origin: Calatayud, Aragón, Spain  |  Old Vine Garnacha  |  Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas San Alejandro is a cooperative winery based in the Calatayud Denomination of Origin in Aragón, northeastern Spain. The Las Rocas Garnacha draws exclusively from old-vine Garnacha parcels planted between 70 and 100 years ago on the region's rocky, high-altitude slopes — terrain that naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor. The fruit undergoes a 15-day fermentation and maceration in concrete vats at a controlled temperature of 22–24°C, after which portions of the wine are aged in oak barrels. This partial oak treatment distinguishes Las Rocas from simpler Calatayud Garnachas that see only stainless steel, adding structure and complexity while keeping the fruit character front and center.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe blackberry and black cherry dominate the nose, followed by a savory layer of dried plum and licorice. Underneath, subtle earthy and mineral notes emerge alongside a faint peppery spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is plush and generous, with concentrated dark cherry and currant fruit coating the palate. At mid-palate, well-integrated tannins provide firm structure while flavors of raspberry, black pepper, and a measured dose of oak add dimension. Acidity stays taut throughout, keeping the wine focused despite its density and power.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and savory, with lingering mineral, licorice, and dried fruit impressions. A subtle bitterness and peppery warmth close out the experience cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Las Rocas\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 14.8% ABV, this is a bold wine that rewards a slight chill — try it at around 60–64°F to keep the fruit vibrant without muting the earthy complexity. A few minutes of air in a wide-bowled glass will soften the tannins and open the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine's dense fruit and firm acidity stand up well in this Spanish classic of red wine and cola, where its earthy undertones add sophistication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas brings ripe berry concentration and spice that hold their own against citrus, brandy, and fruit additions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePaired neat alongside a charcuterie board:\u003c\/strong\u003e The savory, mineral-driven profile makes it an ideal standalone pour with cured meats and aged cheeses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners that call for a serious but affordable Spanish red\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to old-vine Garnacha from a lesser-known Spanish region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar of high-value Iberian wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with hearty autumn and winter meals like braised meats or stews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Las Rocas taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas delivers concentrated black cherry, currant, and blackberry fruit layered with savory earth, mineral, black pepper, and a touch of licorice from partial oak aging. It is full-bodied and dense but balanced by firm acidity and well-integrated tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Las Rocas compare to Evodia Garnacha?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are 100% Garnacha from old vines in Calatayud, and both are imported by Eric Solomon, but Las Rocas sees partial oak aging while Evodia is fermented entirely in stainless steel. As a result, Las Rocas tends to be denser, more structured, and more complex, whereas Evodia leans brighter and more fruit-forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Las Rocas good for drinking neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its layered tasting profile, balanced tannins, and 90-point Wine Spectator rating make it well-suited for sipping on its own, especially with a few minutes of aeration in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Las Rocas made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas is produced by Bodegas San Alejandro in the Calatayud Denomination of Origin, located in the Aragón region of northeastern Spain. The vineyards sit at high altitude on rocky, arid slopes that stress the vines and concentrate the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Las Rocas?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's earthy, peppery character. Chorizo and manchego play into its Spanish roots. Braised short ribs match its weight and dark fruit. Roasted root vegetables echo the mineral and savory notes. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors the wine's bitter, concentrated finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Las Rocas come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas Garnacha is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Las Rocas worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Las Rocas positions as a value-tier to mid-range Spanish red that consistently punches above its weight — a 90-point Wine Spectator score and Gold at the International Wine Challenge from old-vine fruit make it one of the stronger values in Garnacha from Calatayud.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Las Rocas?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOld-vine Garnacha from 70- to 100-year-old plantings is a resource that cannot be replicated quickly, and Las Rocas channels that material into a wine with genuine complexity at a fraction of what comparable old-vine bottlings from other regions command. The partial oak aging sets it apart from entry-level Calatayud Garnachas, adding structural depth without overwhelming the grape's natural dark fruit and mineral character. Backed by a 90-point Wine Spectator rating and an International Wine Challenge Gold medal, Las Rocas delivers verified critical recognition alongside real drinking pleasure. For anyone seeking a bold, terroir-driven Spanish red with serious vine age behind it, this remains one of Calatayud's most compelling bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Las Rocas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837780750505,"sku":"25365","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Las-Rocas-Garnacha__83159.jpg?v=1730494106"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/las-rocas.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}